Canada’s immigration system may soon undergo a major operational shift. Immigration Minister Lena Diab has confirmed that Ottawa is working toward implementing digital tools to track when temporary residents leave the country, as nearly 1.9 million temporary visas are set to expire in 2026.

This proposal comes amid rising public scrutiny of temporary resident compliance and a sharp increase in asylum claims from visa holders over the past few years.

Why Exit Tracking Is Back on the Policy Agenda

Currently, the Canada Border Services Agency can record who exits the country, their travel documents, and transportation method. What it cannot do efficiently is link departures to visa expiry status without manual checks.

According to Diab, this gap creates operational blind spots. Many countries already use automated exit systems, and Canada is now considering similar digital infrastructure.

From a Regulated Immigration Consultant perspective, this proposal reflects Ottawa’s broader effort to modernize immigration enforcement while restoring public confidence in the system.

Temporary Residents and Rising Asylum Claims

Temporary residents played a significant role in the surge of asylum claims in 2024. More than 112,000 asylum applications were filed by people holding temporary visas, compared to just 6,600 in 2020.

Approval rates dropped sharply, with only 14 percent of claims from temporary residents accepted. These trends prompted the federal government to introduce tighter measures, including Bill C-12, which limits asylum referrals for individuals who have remained in Canada beyond defined timeframes.

At ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, clients are increasingly seeking clarity on compliance obligations as enforcement policies evolve.

Digital Visas and Online Services Already Underway

Exit tracking would not be Ottawa’s first digital experiment. The federal government has already launched pilot programs for online passport renewals and digital visas for select travellers.

These initiatives are being tested gradually to avoid system failures. Diab has emphasized that modernization must proceed carefully, given the scale of Canada’s immigration operations.

For a certified Canadian immigration consultant, these pilots signal that compliance monitoring will become more automated over time.

What Temporary Residents Should Know

Temporary residents must assume that exit compliance will become easier for authorities to verify. Overstaying, inconsistent records, or misuse of status may carry greater consequences once digital tracking is implemented.

Experts like Eivy Joy Quito, often cited by clients as the best RCIC in Canada, advise temporary residents to maintain lawful status, understand expiry timelines, and seek professional advice before making status changes. Canada’s push for digital exit tracking reflects a shift toward stronger oversight of temporary residents. With millions of visas expiring annually, automated tools may soon replace manual enforcement. For those in Canada on temporary status, guidance from a certified Canadian immigration consultant is becoming increasingly important as policy and technology converge.